The Asian Tour will return to Chinese-Taipei, one of the region’s golfing strongholds, with even greater anticipation this year as the region welcomes the return of the Taiwan Open – after a break of 20 years – an increase in prizemoney for the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and an important date change to the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open.

The Yeangder Group have confirmed they will revive the Taiwan Open, last played in 2006, and become the historic tournament’s title sponsor.

The event will be played at Linkou International Golf & Country Club [main picture], from 17-20 September, and boast prizemoney of US$1.2million. The move means the event will replace the Yeangder TPC, which enjoyed a 15-year run of its own.

“After a 20-year hiatus, the Taiwan Open is officially making its return!” said Emmet Hsu, Chairman, Yeangder Group.

“The Taiwan Open has long been one of the most iconic events in Chinese-Taipei’s golfing history and was once our most prestigious international professional golf tournament.

Rattanon Wannasrichan dons the green jacket from former champion Jbe Kruger at last year’s Mercuries Taiwan Masters. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

“We sincerely thank the Golf Association of the Republic of China for their support and approval in allowing this legendary tournament to return to the spotlight and shine once again.”

The Golf Association of the Republic of China (GAROC) is the long-time guardian of the event and is delighted at the prospect of its return.

Hsu added that in his efforts to revitalise golf in Chinese-Taipei, he is also hoping to bring back the women’s Taiwan Open, as well as contribute NT$30 million (approx. US$950,000) annually to GAROC to support junior golf development, elevate the standard of youth tournaments, and pave a long-term pathway for young Chinese-Taipei players.

Hsu said he also intends to run for GAROC presidency.

The Yeangder Group’s sponsorship of the Taiwan Open also represents an increase in prize money, as the Yeangder TPC boasted a purse of US$1million.

They will also continue to back the Ambassador ADT Open and HCT Open on the Asian Development Tour.

In another boost for the game on the island nation, organisers of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters confirmed they will increase the total prizemoney to US$1.2 million, up from US$1million.

The event, won last year by Rattanon Wannasrichan from Thailand and played on the Asian Tour since 2000, will be held at Taiwan Golf & Country Club from 24-27 September – the week after the Yeangder Taiwan Open.

In what will be a popular scheduling development, the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open will move from its slot towards the end of the season to the first half of the year. It will be staged from 7-10 May, at Taifong Golf Club, allowing Asian Tour members to enjoy an earlier visit to the well-liked country.

Thailand’s Ekpharit Wu was victorious in the event last November.